moonmajic.com

It’s not too difficult to learn some basic embroidery stitches from a book. Most kids over the age of 8 or 9 have the dexterity to hold a needle and run it through cloth in a few basic stitch types.

Sewing by hand is a handy skill to have anyway. And once the basics are down, you can create some masterpieces in thread! Embroidery thread comes in a rainbow of colors; it’s relatively inexpensive and not too hard to come by.

Purchase some muslin and an embroidery hoop- these are indispensable. Draw something in pencil on your muslin- a tree, a house, a pet or anything you want- even a simple design. Now outline your work with some simple stitches. You may end up with something worthy of framing! At the very least, you’ve created something on your own instead of following some other artist’s design.

Good Job!

Posted May 13, 2008 Comments(0)

If you have a stack of old magazines, particularly interesting and colorful magazines like National Geographic, make use of them. Even a fairly young child can cut out photographs and make a collage.

Use non-toxic glue and be sure and pick a place to work that you aren’t worried about getting a little cluttered and “gluey”. Encourage your young artist to be super creative!

This could be a fun thing to do on a rainy day, or anytime when you want to do something a little different with a child. And it can be fun for you too! It’s a good way to experiment with colors and designs.

Posted May 9, 2008 Comments(0)

Isn’t it great when people feel creative and make things that totally express themselves? When children are encouraged to fulfill themselves by being creative it really leads to a better world, starting with themselves, their families and spreading into the community.

Some children enjoy working with molds to make little 3-D shapes, animals or people. Others prefer activities with paper and cloth for their craft fun.

Taking a child to an art museum to appreciate the work of great artists is a wonderful way to get them started on the road to creation. It’s always good to start by having someone observe and appreciate art that is truly great.

It’s amazing how artistic children are naturally. If you hand a young child a piece of paper and some crayons, chances are he or she will come up with something astonishingly beautiful without any pushing.

Jewelry making can start with something as simple as a piece of strong yarn or string and some wooden beads. You never know where this early encouragement will end up!

Posted April 15, 2008 Comments(0)